The largest collection of Thomas Hardy objects ever displayed at one time opens tomorrow (May 28).

Hardy's Wessex: The Landscapes that Inspired a Writer is a ground-breaking exhibition which spans Dorset Museum and its three partner museum's in Dorset and Wiltshire.

The exhibition has the support of Lord Julian Fellowes of West Stafford, DL, president of the Thomas Hardy Society. 

He said: "After years of planning, I am delighted that this exhibition has finally come to fruition, displaying fascinating objects from the Thomas Hardy collection - many of which have remained unseen in museum stores for years. 

"These personal items will help people come to know Hardy as a man, not just a writer - a man who loved Wessex and so beautifully captured its landscape and people in his writing."

The exhibition tells the story of Victorian novelist and poet, Thomas Hardy, amidst the Wessex landscapes that shaped his view of the world. 

It runs simultaneously at Dorset Museum, Poole Museum, The Salisbury Museum and Wiltshire Museum - each focusing on a different Hardy theme. Dorset Museum will focus on exploring themes on animal welfare and social tensions.

Elizabeth Selby, Dorset Museum's interim director, said: "The literary and cultural significance of Dorset Museum's Thomas Hardy Memorial Collection cannot be understated, and we are delighted that it will be taking centre stage in this four-venue exhibition.

"It is a wonderful opportunity to see more objects from the collection on display across the Wessex region at our partner venues, and for the story of Hardy's interest in rural life, social tensions and animal welfare to be explored at Dorset Museum."

Thanks to support from the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund, each museum also has a 'star' object loaned from national collections, including original manuscripts and nationally important paintings. The majority of the other objects are from Dorset Museum's Thomas Hardy Memorial Collection, which is inscribed on the Unesco Memory of the World Register for its 'world significance and outstanding universal value'.

Harriet Still curator of the exhibition for Wessex Museums, said: "It is so exciting to share this amazing collection across our museum partnership. We hope the exhibition will encourage visitors to see Hardy in a different light - for example, how he used his writing to campaign for rural workers' rights, women's equality and animal welfare, or his conflicting interests in superstition and science. Each exhibition sheds light on different aspects of Hardy's life, work and character."

Hardy's Wessex opens on Saturday, May 28 until Sunday, October 30. Other museums across the two counties are also supporting the exhibition by putting on their own Hardy displays and events.

For more information, including locations, admission prices and opening times, visit wessexmuseums.org.uk